Grade 5 Curriculum

In fifth grade, students continue to investigate naming numbers in a variety of ways, including factors, exponents, fractions, decimals. They continue to practice with the division algorithm and apply their strategies for whole-number computation to decimals.

Fractions are used in measurement, equivalent forms, ratios, and addition and subtraction situations. Decimal and percent concepts are extended to equivalent forms, number lines, grids, probability, and circle graphs. Fifth graders use manipulatives to explore negative numbers and simple algebraic expressions and problems. They link their measurement and algebra skills by using formulas to find perimeters, areas, and volumes of shapes and solids. They continue their study of geometry, working with angles, 2-D and 3-D figures, and corresponding math tools.

Fifth graders participate in a yearlong American Tour. They examine changes in population, societal trends, demographics, and geography of the United States from its beginnings to the present. This integrated project allows students to use mathematics as a tool in a variety of applications. As with the other grade levels, parent involvement with Math Links is an important part of the program.

We believe that the purpose of our mathematics program is to cultivate students’ positive mathematical identities so that all students:

• Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them
• Reason abstractly and quantitatively
• Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others
• Model with mathematics
• Use appropriate tools strategically
• Attend to precision
• Look for and make use of structure
• Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning

Students in kindergarten through fifth grade begin to develop an understanding of the four disciplinary core ideas: physical sciences; life sciences; earth and space sciences; and engineering, technology, and applications of science. In the earlier grades, students begin by recognizing patterns and formulating answers to questions about the world around them. By the end of fifth grade, students are able to demonstrate grade-appropriate proficiency in gathering, describing, and using information about the natural and designed world(s).

Students in fifth grade study the historical development of the United States, from the settlement by native peoples through colonization and, later, the American Revolution. They focus on the major events and people that have impacted our country's development. Fifth graders are introduced to ways in which business and industry have affected the economy over the years. Through interactive lessons, geography, problem solving, and study skills are expanded. Students also increase analytical skills by taking a position on an issue, and writing persuasive arguments on topics of social relevance. Fifth grade students further their knowledge and understanding of core democratic values upon which our government is based.

The visual art curriculum culminates at the fifth-grade level as students demonstrate their prior knowledge of the elements and principles of art; vocabulary; and cultural, historic, and aesthetic awareness through a variety of meaningful, artistic experiences. Fifth graders have the opportunity to respond visually, verbally, analytically, and creatively through the skillful handling of a wide variety of art media.

Throughout the year, student art may be displayed in individual school buildings and the community.

Elementary instrumental music is introduced at the fifth-grade level during the regular school day. This specialized music program focuses on the development of fundamental skills and concepts of playing a wind, percussion, or string instrument. Students learn instrument care, playing position, tone quality, music literacy, and vocabulary as they address the challenges of performing in a group ensemble. Stressed are concepts that will encourage students to play with confidence, enthusiasm, and enjoyment all the while fostering a sense of creativity, self- discipline, and personal achievement.

All students, in consultation with an instrumental music specialist, are given the opportunity to participate in either the elementary orchestra or band program. Instruments offered in the orchestra program include: Violin, viola, cello or string bass. Band instruments offered include: Flute, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, french horn, baritone or percussion.

Fifth-grade students identify the physical and personal characteristics that make them unique, worthwhile, and valuable. Students study the nervous and reproductive systems while focusing attention on the physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence. They develop an awareness of the use and effects of drugs. They study how alcohol and tobacco affect the human body.

Students go to Physical Education class twice a week, once for 25 minutes and once for 30 minutes. Students continue to work and fine tune Gross-Motor skills, spatial awareness, and coordination. They increase their ability with the principles of eye, hand, and foot coordination through a variety of activities. Students continue to develop traditional team sports based skills through culminating activities and game play. They will be assessed in certain skills throughout the year. Students will develop positive characteristics and attitudes, a sense of fair play, teamwork concepts, and cooperation with others. At this level, there is an increased emphasis on cardiopulmonary fitness, muscular strength, flexibility and coordination through the T.R.O.Y. Fitness Program. Students are assessed twice a year in Continuous Jog, Jump Roping, Plank, Sit and Reach, and Flex-arm Hang. Every student will have a personal fitness log that they will set goals for themselves in each of the fitness tests. After every assessment, student will reevaluate their goals and set new ones.

The English language development program helps ensure learning for all students, specifically students who are multilingual and in the process of acquiring English as an additional language. The ELD specialists provide small group instruction for English language acquisition outside the grade level classroom with frequency based on the students’ unique instructional needs. They also support access to classroom content by pushing into grade level classrooms.